PSU renews commitment to vaccinations and other safety protocols for fall term

Portland State has joined with more than 800 universities across the nation in the White House COVID-19 College Challenge in an effort to vaccinate all students, faculty and staff by the beginning of fall term.

PSU was the first university in Oregon to join the challenge in June, and one of 13 universities in the state that has committed to organizing efforts to vaccinate the campus community and providing vaccine access to all. Portland State was also the first university in Oregon to announce a vaccine mandate for its students, faculty and staff.

"All of us are eager to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us and come together again in person as a campus community," said Portland State President Stephen Percy. "Widespread vaccination is our clearest and best path toward that future." 

In May, Portland State announced the return to in-person learning for fall term. As COVID-19 continues to spread through the Delta variant, we face increasing concerns about the health and safety of our community. The following safety protocols will remain in place at Portland State, and we’ll update you as developments occur.

Vaccinations: All students and university employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or request an exemption. Just over 15,000 students and employees have already completed the online vaccination attestation form. Nearly 96% of them are vaccinated. You can find up-to-date information about vaccination rates on campus by checking our online vaccination dashboard. PSU’s vaccine requirement is effective Sept. 7 and we ask that you affirm your vaccination status online as soon as possible. There is no cost for students to receive the vaccine at Portland State's Center for Student Health & Counseling Clinic (SHAC). Call the SHAC main line at 503-725-2800.

Face coverings: In accordance with county and state mandates, PSU requires that any person on campus must wear a mask or face covering while indoors in PSU public spaces and in shared spaces, and in crowded outdoor settings. We’ll provide updates and details in the coming weeks.

Testing: COVID-19 testing is available at Portland State's Center for Student Health & Counseling (SHAC). Two types of tests are available, and an advice nurse can provide free guidance on symptoms and testing to PSU students and employees at 503-725-2800.

Other measures: 

• Masks and hand sanitizer are located at building entrances and available for departments at no cost.
• SHAC will continue to conduct contact tracing for any COVID cases on campus.
• Campus buildings have been upgraded with improved HVAC filtration systems.

Please be aware that our COVID plans are subject to change in the event local conditions either improve or deteriorate in coming weeks and months, and we will continue to provide updates as we learn and adjust our response based on the latest science and public health guidance.